Health officials in Limpopo have urged residents to take precautionary measures to prevent possible infection of Malaria following heavy rainfall in the province.
Image: Supplied
Limpopo province has recorded three malaria deaths between April last year and January this year, with more than 500 malaria cases being recorded so far, according to the provincial Department of Health.
“While this represents a decrease compared to previous years, every death is a tragedy, and the Department remains focused on reducing these numbers,” said provincial health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana.
Malaria is a deadly disease caused by the plasmodium parasite and transmitted by infected mosquitoes, presenting symptoms including fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches.
Early symptoms usually appear between 10 and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Shikwambana said the department has implemented an effective indoor residual spraying program, a key strategy in reducing mosquito populations and malaria transmission.
“This program also relies heavily on community participation, with 355 seasonal community spray workers employed in the 2024 and 2025 financial year to spray over 1.16 million houses,” he said.
To strengthen malaria prevention efforts, Shikwambana said the department plans to increase the number of spray workers to 400 in the 2025 and 2026 financial year.
“This expansion will help ensure broader coverage, particularly in areas most vulnerable to malaria outbreaks, ahead of the peak period during the festive season” he said.
Shikwambana urged the public to remain vigilant about the risks of Malaria following the significant rainfall in the province.
“While the rains are crucial for agriculture and water supply, they also create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which increases the risk of malaria transmission in the province.”
The Limpopo Department of Health recorded over 500 malaria cases and three deaths between April of last year and January of this year.
Image: File
Despite these developments and investment in malaria control, Shikwambana acknowledged that the province remains susceptible to malaria outbreaks, especially after periods of rainfall.
He emphasised that the public plays an essential role in preventing the spread of Malaria, urging residents to allow malaria control personnel to spray their homes, use insect repellent regularly, especially in the evenings.
Experts also urge citizens to clear their properties of bodies of standing water where mosquitos can breed.
“The public should wear clothing that covers the skin, particularly at night and consider sleeping under mosquito nets, especially in high-risk areas,” Shikwambana advised.
For those travelling to and from malaria-endemic areas, he stressed the importance of taking prophylactic medication before the trip to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
“For those who have recently travelled to a malaria-endemic area and are feeling unwell, we urge you to visit the nearest healthcare facility or doctor immediately.”
“When seeking care, please inform your healthcare provider about your travel history to ensure prompt and accurate treatment,” Shikwambana added.
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